At St. Francis Community Services, we assist individuals with diverse backgrounds who face significant challenges. Managing the cost of healthcare is one of these challenges. Six years ago, a client from Mexico sought our help due to a high-risk pregnancy with twins. Unable to work, and with her husband only able to find seasonal work in landscaping, they needed support. We helped find a donor for a much-needed double stroller and assistance with applying for essential benefits. Additionally, we helped them communicate effectively with healthcare professionals by offering translation services during the pregnancy and birth of their twins. As they became citizens of the US, we also assisted them in obtaining passports.
In a time of crisis, the woman reached out to us again, this time overwhelmed by medical bills following a gallbladder attack that required surgery. Faced with an $80,000 bill, Sylvia, our dedicated coworker who has been assisting the family for the past six years, collaborated with BJC to make the bill more manageable. Through applications for aid and partnering with BJC, Sylvia reduced the out-of-pocket cost to $5,000, which was arranged into an affordable $150 per month payment plan.
Sylvia’s efforts turned a devastating situation into a much more bearable one.
